Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep S Puri to discuss the resumption of petroleum exploration and production in the state. Oil India Limited has a significant area in Nagaland and plans to begin exploration when conditions are favorable.
The potential restart of petroleum exploration in Nagaland could unlock significant natural resources, but faces historical opposition from militant groups and requires favorable conditions for companies like Oil India Limited to proceed.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep S Puri to discuss the potential resumption of petroleum exploration and production activities within the state. Rio conveyed on X that the discussions were constructive and focused on key initiatives for the state's development.
The prospect of resuming oil exploration in Nagaland has faced historical opposition. In 2015, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) reiterated its stance against the central government's efforts to explore petroleum, asserting that such natural resources constitute the state's sovereign wealth. The group has previously accused the Indian government of attempting to exploit Nagaland's mineral wealth without respecting the political rights of its people.
Oil India Limited (OIL) has indicated plans to commence exploration in Nagaland once the conditions become conducive. The company has identified a significant area of 3000 square kilometers within the state for potential exploration activities. Previously, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had ceased its exploration and production operations in Nagaland in 1994 following opposition from the NSCN (IM).
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